Both Sides of the Story (2 of 2)

I was going to transcribe Dr. MacArthur's statement in the interview, but here's what he posted yesterday at his blog:

On the surface, it may sound noble to hold to a unique theology that has been independently forged, but such thinking (too common among today’s young-and-restless reformers) is dangerous to the health of the church. Allow me to publicly state that if this is not what Darrin Patrick meant to communicate, I would certainly love to embrace any clarification.

Meanwhile, let me clarify my remark: I was not questioning Darrin’s personal orthodoxy – his theology is clear in the book. The issue is rather the danger of developing a unique theology and a radically individualistic philosophy of church leadership. When one’s “own theological beliefs” are self-styled and unique, those beliefs need to be questioned. Protecting the soundness of our theological convictions is a commitment that we all must make. It is increasingly clear that the vanguard of evangelical Christianity is intent upon actively promoting change at every level within the church, and young men in particular should not be encouraged to think radical individualism is a positive mindset for church leadership and ministry style.

Good ecclesiology demands that there exist an awareness of, appreciation for, and deliberate connection to the flow of redemptive history. Patrick’s statement, it seems to me, is quite out of harmony with Paul’s charge to Timothy: “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). The goal certainly should not be to encourage young pastors to distrust or remodel what they have learned from faithful men.

I don’t know Darrin, and I’m not attacking him or challenging his statement of faith; I’m cautioning that this championing of “uniqueness to the way [young pastors want] to do ministry” is a dangerous trend, not a healthy one.

Thoughts?

Both sides of the story (1 of 2)

Darrin Patrick's The Church Planter has gotten some play this week, and there's one passage in particular that some people are wondering about. I'll bet most of them don't have the book (on both sides of the discussion), but Google Books does have the book because nothing is sacred anymore. HT: Jared Wilson.

Here's the passage causing unrest:

If you read that passage, what would you say Darrin was talking about? Discuss freely, but avoid uncivil rioting. Keep your torches and pitchforks at home.